Over the weekend, mob took to the ocean competing in the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles.
Taking place at Djarrk (Bells Beach) on Wadawurrung Country from Friday to Sunday, the event saw athletes perform across 10 competitions.
The 2022 champions were Finn Hill who dominated the Men’s Opens and Jaz McCorquodale in the Open Women’s and the Open Women’s Longboard Titles.
McCorquodale, who hasn’t been able to compete for a few years, said it was the win was “special”.
Jaz McCorquodale competing on Day one. Source: Liam Robertson / Surfing Victoria
“I’m so stoked. I’m so glad we got some waves to showcase how amazing we surf as a culture and as a group,” she said.
“There was definitely a hole in my surfing heart the last few years when we weren’t able to come down to Bells. It’s always a special event to come down to as we are all like family."
“It’s one of the events where everyone comes together as one and to be able to surf on Wadawurrung Country is incredible.”
Hill mirrored McCorque, saying it was an “honour” to win again at Djarrk.
Finn Hill at the competition at Djarrk. Source: Liam Robertson / Surfing Victoria
“This year was some of the best surfing I have seen at this event, every heat I was in was stacked,” he said.
“Being able to surf against guys like Russ Molony is amazing. I have so much respect for the older guys and what they have done for us younger surfers.”
“It’s really special to represent my heritage at this event. It’s such a strong community and a special way to celebrate it.”
North Shelly local and 2012 inaugural Australian Indigenous Surfing champion Russ Molony competed in the Open Men's competition, taking out third place.
“Our elders have been here for thousands of years living off the ocean down here. It’s a really spiritual place and a special place that we all are so grateful for," said Molony.
Other winners included Rhys Collins for the Master’s Men title, Landen Smales for the Open Men Longboard title and Junior Boys title, Kauri Heuston-Connor in the Junior Girls title, Robbie Page for Elders and Ronny Newley for Rip Curl’s Best and Fairest.
Gold Coast local Summer Simons took home Surfline’s Wave of the Day.
Summer Simons competing on day one of the competition. Source: Liam Robertson / Surfing Victoria
“I love Bells,” she said.
“It’s such a fun wave and the cultural significance around the area is amazing. This event is so different to any other event, it’s my favourite event of the year.”
Simons competed alongside other standouts including reigning champion Jaz McCorquodale from NSW South Coast, Kauri Heuston-Connor from Burleigh Heads, QLD and her sister Bohdie Simons.
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles are presented by Rip Curl and supported by the Victorian Government, Wathaurong Cooperative, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Surfing Victorian and many others.
